NHL power rankings: Red Wings continue to slide out of playoff picture

NHL power rankings: Red Wings continue to slide out of playoff picture originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The NHL playoff picture is finally starting to come into focus, with some teams emerging as clear contenders while others are slipping after recent struggles and now sit on the outside looking in.

A few teams have done everything they can to stay in the race, like the Columbus Blue Jackets , who have put together an impressive 19-3-4 record over their last 26 games to secure a spot among the top three in the Metro Division. On the other hand, teams like the Detroit Red Wings have gone the opposite direction. After a New York Islanders win on Sunday, Detroit has fallen out of a playoff spot for the first time since early December, following a 6-8-3 stretch over their last 17 games.

There is still a chance for the Red Wings to end their near decade-long playoff drought, but time is running out. Their standing has taken a noticeable hit in the power rankings, along with several other teams, including the surging Nashville Predators , who have climbed more than ten spots. MORE : NHL power rankings: Playoff teams struggle while lottery teams pick up wins 1.

Dallas Stars (42-14-10, Previous Ranking: 1) The Stars have dropped two straight narrow contests against the Wild and Golden Knights, but after defeating the Avalanche for the second time this season, they continue to hold the top spot. 2. Colorado Avalanche (46-13-10, PR: 2) After dropping three straight, the Avs have bounced back with consecutive victories and appear to be on the upswing, which is scary for anyone in their path.